Mixing Paints

E I G H T

L U N A

I swept the floor of the diner while The Smiths played softly in the background. It was late but I offered to help my dad clean up tonight after we closed up since the day was so busy. He was doing the dishes with Brenda's help. She always stayed after hours to help out.

I was feeling frustrated about everything from Max being rude to me, to the fact that my art hadn't been selling as much lately. I painted mostly for myself but since I started worrying about Mick, I felt demotivated. The fact that I was losing customers made it even worse.

Max's words still replayed in my head. It was so much like me to take these things personally and overthink it. I didn't mean to intervene in Mick's personal life, I was just worried. Normal people worry. It shows that we care.

Mick and I were friends and the friendly thing to do is to look out for each other.

The sound of the door opening startled me after my thoughts.

"Sorry, we're closed," I said as I reached below a table to sweep up.

"Even for me?" my heart raced at the familiar voice, the voice that I'd recognise anywhere.

There stood Tyler Graham dressed down in sweatpants but he still looked attractive. Seeing him startled me so much that I couldn't help but clumsily lose the grip of my broom causing a loud CLANG to ruin the moment.

"Hey Tyler, what brings you here?" I asked in an uncomfortable voice as I casually (not really) leaned against the table.

He walked over to me in his relaxed calm way and I was sure my legs were going to buckle beneath me when he stood a few feet away from me. "I actually wanted to speak to you about our study date this Friday?"

Instead of freaking out about my 'no hablo español' problem, my heart was beating rapidly at him calming it a "date".

In his context he meant it casually, but my brain could definitely make a romantic fantasy out of it.

"Oh sí," I said while nodding my head eagerly, my inner voice cringing at my stupidity.

He caught be by surprise by letting out a laugh. Goodness, I didn't think my Spanish was that bad?

"I don't know if I should feel offended because you think I'm that dumb or flattered at your effort because no girl has ever gone to this length to spend time with me."

My heart dropped to the floor. If I tripped him with the broom it would be enough to distract him while I make a run for it out the diner. If my calculations were accurate, I'd still fail miserably because of his agility when he plays football. He'd catch me in a matter of seconds.

"I have no idea, what you're talking about," I tried to sound confident but I've never sounded so unsure in my life.

"You don't even have Spanish," he said and I swore at myself under my breath. He laughed some more and the heat in my cheeks was surely enough to make me pass out. I covered my face, hoping this truly was just a nightmare to teach me a lesson when I wake up to never lie again.

His hands clasped around my wrists and peal my hands away from my face. I opened up my eyes and I was still in the nightmare, staring right at him. "Don't feel embarrassed, I found it cute."

It was now my turn to start laughing, how good was this boy at playing the nice guy. He must have felt really sorry for me.

He ignored my laughter and continued, "So cute that I want you to come to my game and the party with me this weekend."

All of a sudden I wanted to stay in this dream. I prayed in my head that I had died and this was that start to my heaven.

"I'd love to come to the game," I agreed, purposefully neglecting the part about the party because even he had to really convince me to go to a party. I was okay with going out with a few people, but being with too many really made me uncomfortable.

Tyler sensed my hesitation about it so he was quick to reassure me. "Let's make a deal. If my team wins then you come to the party with me. If we lose, then I'll drive you straight home."

They both weighed each other out because at the end of the day I'd still spend time with Tyler so I happily agreed.

"Deal."

"Perfect," he shot me his charming smile and the butterflies in my stomach couldn't handle it anymore. "See you tomorrow. Enjoy your night Luna."

My eyes followed him the whole way out and I couldn't help the smile on my face.

"YES! You owe me a milkshake tomorrow!" I heard my dad cheer the second he left. I heard another voice hiss at him to keep quiet.

The two voices were coming from behind the counter. I peered over to see my dad and Brenda hiding below there, looking up guiltily like two children that had been caught stealing cookies.

"We were just uh..." My dad's voice trailed off.

"Betting on if you two would kiss or not. I voted yes so thanks for the disappointment," Brenda said in fake irritation. "You should be glad you didn't because he was practically fuming down here."

My dad got up and helped Brenda while they argued about their silly bet, exactly like two kids would.

"I told you, I know my daughter," he said confidently. "She doesn't go around kissing boys all willy nilly."

"Well she definitely will be this Friday," Brenda teased.

The smug look on my dad's face disappeared instantly. "Absolutely no kissing or even touching each other in the friendliest way, young lady!"

Brenda and I burst out laughing at the sudden change in his tone. "How about I help you pick out an outfit sweetie, I was thinking something a little more mature," she said as she hooked her arm in mine and lead me out the diner.

"Stop giving her ideas!"

* * *

Aww how cute and Brenda and Mr. Caverly, they're my main ship here bye. 

If you have any comments or feedback, feel free. I appreciate it.

-Monique xx